Proper Steps for Roof Repairs Following Hail Damage

1. If the homeowner thinks they have damage, they should first call their insurance company or agent and ask to file a claim.
2. The insurance company sends an adjuster to access the damage.
3. If the adjuster determines damage has occurred, he will issue a report listing the damage and the expected cost of recovery.
4. The adjuster will then cut a check for the damage minus the depreciation of the home.
5. The homeowner can choose 2 different ways to hire a contractor. He may bid the work to one or more contractors and accept a bid. If that bid is less than the insurance company estimate, the insurance company will pay only that amount, less deductible. If the bid is more than the insurance estimate, the homeowner can submit the higher bid to the insurance company and attempt to work out the difference.  The homeowner can also opt to hire a trusted contractor of their choice. The contractor can then work out their rates with the insurance company.
6. Under NO circumstances can a homeowner avoid paying their deductible. Any contractor that suggests otherwise to a homeowner is committing insurance fraud.
7. After the project has been completed, the contractor or homeowner sends an invoice and certificate of completion to the insurance company. Insurance then cuts a check to the homeowner for the depreciated portion of the loss (providing the homeowner has replacement cost insurance, which most do).  In some instances, a mortgage company and/or contractor may be listed on the check as co-payees.

Key Points Regarding the Insurance Claim Process

• The homeowner does not need a contractor to submit damage information to the insurance company. It is not necessary to hire a company “specializing”  in getting insurance claims settled.
• Never let a contractor you do not know or trust climb on your roof to “inspect for hail damage.” To make it appear as if caused by hail, some storm chasers intentionally damage the roof when they think no one is looking.
• You cannot hide or avoid paying the deductible. This is insurance fraud.
• You can choose to work with any contractor you like.

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1. Make sure to ask your contractor for a Certificate of Insurance with both Workers Compensation and General Liability. These can be mailed or emailed to you easily from a contractor’s insurance provider. This insures that you are protected from financial obligation should injury or damages occur on your property.

2. Ask to see the permit (when required) when the crew arrives or call your local city or village to ensure that a permit has been acquired for your job. Often times this isn’t done until just before work begins so don’t call too early.  In addition, not all municipalities require permits for all types of remodeling – each have different rules for permitting.

3. Be sure to ask your contractor if there are any preparations that you should make to your home before work begins. We generally ask our customers to remove any particularly valuable belongings from their walls just in case they rattle during roofing or siding replacement. You may also want to take steps to protect any vulnerable landscaping, although a good contractor will take care of that for you.

4. If a dumpster is being used, you’ll need to make sure that your car is out of your garage or confirm which side of the driveway the dumpster will be placed. You don’t want your car to be trapped in the garage!

5. If you have any questions about the scope of work, type of materials, or any other concerns, now is the time to ask! Give your contractor a ring and just make sure that all those last minute details or changes are fresh in both of your heads. Remember- the key to a successful home improvement project is strong communication between the contractor and homeowner.

One final word of advice- please don’t hesitate to talk with your crew foreman while he’s working on your home or call your contractor directly about any concerns you may have. We encourage you to monitor and address concerns as the job is in progress or immediately upon completion – it is much more efficient than sending the crew back at a later date. Take advantage of that final walk through – it’s your home, and you have every right to be picky about the quality of work.

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Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Hollingsworth Home Improvement, Inc has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers. Hollingsworth Home Improvement has also earned the award in 2008 & 2010.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Business Name can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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